Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
